kuruma

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    “A few months behind Japan …?” The new SUV “Outlander PHEV” 2023 specification is unveiled for the first time in the United States! Released locally in the latter half of 2023 .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “A few months later than Japan…?”” New SUV “”Outlander PHEV”” 2023 Specification Unveiled for the First Time in the U.S.! To be launched locally in the second half of 2023

    New Outlander PHEV Combines Mitsubishi’s Electric Vehicle Technologies
    　Mitsubishi’s U.S. subsidiary has unveiled the Outlander PHEV (2023 model year), a plug-in hybrid version of the Outlander, at the Twin Cities Auto Show 2022 (May 14-22) in Minnesota.

    Launched in the U.S. a few months later than Japan…? What is the new “”Outlander PHEV”” like? Mitsubishi’s latest SUV in 28 images.

    　In the U.S., the 2023 Outlander PHEV has been announced for release in late 2022.

    　The current Outlander is Mitsubishi’s flagship SUV, equivalent to the fourth generation globally (the first generation was sold in Japan as the Airtrek).

    　The current Outlander, a gasoline-powered model, went on sale in the U.S., Canada, and other markets in April 2021 ahead of other markets, while the current Outlander PHEV, a plug-in hybrid model, went on sale in Japan in December 2021 (the gasoline model has not been introduced).

    　It was also launched in New Zealand in March 2022, and the current Outlander PHEV will be introduced in the U.S. later in these countries.

    　The 2023 Outlander PHEV is the result of Mitsubishi’s expertise in electric vehicles.

    　It is equipped with a twin-motor 4WD system consisting of front and rear motors with increased output, and Mitsubishi’s unique S-AWC integrated vehicle dynamics control system as standard equipment. 7 drive modes are available to ensure a safe and comfortable drive regardless of road conditions.

    　The Outlander PHEV is also the first Outlander PHEV with a third-row seat.

    　Mark Chaffin, president and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA), commented on the current Outlander gasoline model, which is already on the market, saying, “”Despite facing global supply shortages, the Outlander is hitting home runs, setting new sales records every month.

    　And of the 2023 Outlander PHEV, which will be introduced in the second half of 2022, he said, “”When it goes on sale in the U.S., the car will take its place as Mitsubishi’s flagship model.

    　It will be the most advanced and best equipped vehicle ever sold. It is the perfect combination of a quiet, clean EV with the range and ease of refueling of a gasoline-powered vehicle.”

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    Even if Honda “CR-V” is discontinued, the new “ZR-V” will be released! Why are Honda’s SUV names often “○ R-V”?

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Honda “”CR-V”” production may be discontinued, but the new “”ZR-V”” is on its way! Why are there so many “”0R-V”” SUV names for Honda?

    Does Honda have too many “”0R-V”” SUVs?
    　The CR-V, Honda’s mid-size SUV introduced in 1995 for the Japanese market, will be discontinued in August 2022.

    First look at the new Honda SUV to be introduced to replace the CR-V! Check out the “”00R-V”” Honda SUV in pictures!

    Coming to Japan! Honda’s new “”ZR-V”” made its world premiere in China!

    　The CR-V, whose first generation was a hit as a pioneer of the light XC genre, saw its sales suspended for about two years in the middle of its fourth generation, before the fifth generation (current model) made a domestic comeback in 2018.

    　However, with the SUV boom, all manufacturers introduced SUVs, and the CR-V was buried among them, and unfortunately, it disappeared from the domestic market.

    　With the CR-V’s demise, Honda’s only SUV will be the Vezel, but this is only temporary. In fact, a new SUV, the big brother of the Vezel, is expected to debut before the end of 2022.

    　Although the name of the Japanese version of the model has not been revealed, the new HR-V, which was unveiled in North America, is expected to be introduced.

    　The same new SUV will also be introduced in China and Europe as the new ZR-V. Based on the current Civic, it is likely to be powered by a turbocharged engine or e:HEV hybrid, although the power unit will vary depending on the country or region.

    　Looking at Honda’s SUVs, we notice that many of them have “”00R-V”” vehicle names, such as CR-V, HR-V, and ZR-V.

    　According to Honda’s public relations department, “”Starting with the CR-V, the name has been unified as Honda’s SUV brand since then. The ‘R’ has a different meaning depending on the model, but the ‘V’ stands for vehicle.””

    　CR-V is said to be an acronym for “”Comfortable Runabout Vehicle”” and HR-V for “”Hi-rider Revolutionary Vehicle.

    　These are the only two “”0R-V”” models sold in Japan, but if you look overseas, you will find several “”0R-V”” models bearing other letters of the alphabet. What kind of models are there?

    BR-V

    　The BR-V is a crossover SUV, the prototype of which made its world premiere at the 2015 Indonesia Motor Show, and was launched in Asian markets such as Indonesia and India. The name comes from “”Bold Runabout Vehicle.

    　The current model is the second generation, launched in January 2022, and is a three-row, seven-seat model featuring a powerful SUV-like appearance.

    UR-V

    　The UR-V is the flagship SUV of Dongfeng Honda, which manufactures and sells Honda vehicles in China.

    　The current model will be launched in June 2020, with a larger body size than the CR-V, a sleek coupe-like style, and an elegant interior.

    WR-V

    　The WR-V is a compact SUV based on the third-generation Fit and was launched in Brazil in 2017.

    　It was developed at Honda R&D Brazil based on user needs in South America. It offers a tough yet urban SUV design, high utility, and spacious interior in a compact body size.

    XR-V

    　The XR-V is a compact SUV developed by Dongfeng Honda, a joint venture company in China, for the same market.

    　Two types of engines are available: a 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated engine and a turbocharged engine, with no hybrid available.

    Advanced features such as “”Honda Connect”” and “”Honda Sensing”” are available.

    The FR is not an SUV, but it is an FR with a small engine and a large cargo area.

    　Although not an SUV, there was also an “”FR-V”” model.

    　This is the European name for the EDIX, which was introduced in 2004 as a unique minivan.

    　The EDIX/FR-V was a “”3-by-2″” model with two rows of three seats to accommodate six passengers, and all front and rear seats could slide independently, allowing for a variety of arrangements.

    　A diesel engine was also available for the European version, and a 6-speed manual transmission model, which was not available in the Japanese version, was also lined up.

    Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)”

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    Mazda “MX-30” shortens quick charge to 26 minutes … European 2022 model.

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Mazda MX-30 Quick Charge Reduced to 26 Minutes…2022 European Model Year 2022 Friday, May 13, 2010 3:00 PM

    Mazda MX-30 2022 model year (European specifications)
    On May 12, Mazda’s European division began accepting orders for the 2022 model year of Mazda MX-30, the automaker’s first mass-produced EV. The new model is designed to speed up charging.

    The MX-30 will feature e-SKYACTIV, a new generation of electrification technology. The system consists of a motor, battery pack, inverter, and DC-DC converter. The motor, inverter, DC-DC converter, and junction box are designed as one unit and integrated into a high-voltage unit at the front of the vehicle. For the European version, the motor produces a maximum output of 145ps.

    The lithium-ion battery, which is located under the floor and has a storage capacity of 35.5 kWh, has a range of approximately 200 km (WLTP cycle combined mode) per charge. As a result, the quick charge time has been reduced by 10 minutes, from approximately 36 minutes to 26 minutes.

    “

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    The administration also acknowledged! “Seriously picking up trash” with Suzuki “Jimny” ! You can also pull up scrapped cars from the water! What is the actual situation of “Sarugashima Off Road” .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Even the Administration Approved! Serious Garbage Pickup”” with Suzuki “”Jimny””! Even pulling up abandoned cars from the water! What is the reality of “”Sarugashima Off-road””?

    Jimny Enthusiasts Dependable Even by the Government
    　On the banks of the Sagami River, which flows through Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture, there is a place called “”Sarugashima Off-Road.
    　
    　It is a free off-road course that utilizes the natural terrain almost as it is, and on holidays, it is crowded with many cross-country vehicles and off-road motorcycles, including the Suzuki “”Jimny.
    　
    　Every year in March, the Sarugashima Off-Road Course hosts what is called the “”Sarugashima Clean Campaign”” led by Jimmy owners.
    　
    　Why do Jimmy owners volunteer to pick up trash?

    Serious trash pickup with Jimny! And the ultimate customized “”5-door Jimny”” is so cool!

    Why do Jimmy owners organize the “”Sarugashima Clean Campaign”” at “”Sarugashima Off-road””?

    　This location is recognized by Kanagawa Prefecture, Atsugi City, and other local governments. It is very rare in the Tokyo metropolitan area that the off-road portion of a riverbed is open to the public, and there are only a few places, including Sarugashima, where it is.

    　Why has Sarugashima been open as a free-running off-road course for so long?

    　The reason for this is that the local Jimmy owners and the local people have a strong desire to “”protect the place where we run by ourselves! The reason for this is the volunteer activities of local Jimmy owners and off-road motorcycle owners.

    　The main person behind these activities is Mr. Yutaka Nikaido of RV4 Wild Goose, a store specializing in Jimny and 4WD vehicles. We asked him what kind of activities he has been involved in and when he started them.

    –When did the volunteer activities by Jimmy owners start?

    　The Jimny Club of Japan (JCJ) was established in 1982. Since that time, we have been involved in activities such as picking up trash at the Hamaoka Sand Dunes in Shizuoka Prefecture.

    　Later, we started holding off-road schools on Sarugashima on a regular basis, and we began asking participants to take home and dispose of as much trash as they could hold in their hands.

    　However, there was a limit to how much trash we could carry in our hands, and I felt that even if we were trying to clean up Sarugashima, it would only be a matter of self-satisfaction. We wanted to make a big deal out of it by getting the government involved.

    –Is that where the Sarugashima Clean Campaign came in?

    　Yes, that’s right. What triggered the campaign was the increase in the illegal dumping of cars around Sarugashima.

    　Before the recycling ticket system was introduced in 2005, the cost of scrapping a car was about 30,000 yen.

    　So, bad people who did not want to pay the scrapping fee began to illegally dump their cars.

    　There were times when nearly 30 cars were dumped on the banks of the Sagami River.

    　According to the government (Atsugi City), the disposal cost was 30,000 yen if the vehicles were dumped up to the entrance of the riverbed, but if they were dumped in the river, it would cost about 300,000 yen because heavy equipment and tow trucks would be needed to pull them out of the river.

    　So I made a suggestion. “”Why don’t you call your friends with 4-wheel drive vehicles and have them pull it out and haul it away?”” I said.

    　The government officials were surprised. “”You can do that (without using heavy machinery or large-scale equipment)? He said, “”Yes, we can.

    –How many 4WD volunteers did you get for pulling up the vehicles abandoned in the river?

    　I called my friends in the 4WD club, and we gathered 30 vehicles, including Land Cruisers and other large 4WD vehicles.

    　They were so happy to get into the river and help pull up the abandoned vehicles. Everyone loves to pull (laughs).

    　And they have all been driving 4WD vehicles for many years and have a very high level of experience in off-road driving. That’s why no one gets hurt and everyone is in control.

    –I’m sure the government officials must have been very happy.

    　In the beginning, there were concerns such as, “”What if someone gets hurt during the work?

    　But after they realized that we were working at a high level, making full use of the 4WD’s off-road capabilities, they were relieved. They were very grateful.

    　After all, the cost reduction was amazing. If we bring it from the inside of the river to the entrance, we can reduce the cost by 270,000 yen per unit. Of course, the government took care of the rest (such as transporting the waste from the river entrance to the disposal site).

    　This was one of the reasons why we began to hold a large-scale Sagami River cleanup campaign once a year.

    –When is the campaign held?

    　It is usually around March. In summer, there is so much grass that it is difficult to see the surroundings, so it is hard to find trash, and it is hard to work under the hot sun.

    　Therefore, we now conduct the cleanup in March, when the grass dies down and before it starts to grow back, when visibility is good and the weather is pleasant. At times, more than 300 people gather.

    –I understand that there are also people who enjoy camping and BBQ at the Sarugashima off-road.

    　Yes, we do. It is a place to enjoy outdoor leisure activities. However, they are not the ones who throw garbage away. They bring it from outside.

    　People who camp on Sarugashima have very good manners. Why is that? It is because they “”assume that they will come back again.

    　In places closer to the city, such as the Tama River, people who BBQ or cherry blossom viewing leave their garbage behind or build fires directly on the grass, and such misdeeds are often reported in the media.

    　People who play on Sarugashima use the place neatly and leave it clean so that they can camp here again. The off-road course is the same.

    The same is true of the off-road course.

    　According to Nikaido, the natural terrain of the Sarugashima off-road course is also wonderful.

    It’s interesting,”” he said. The distance is quite long, and you can enjoy a variety of terrain. You can drive a Jimny or a big 4WD vehicle such as a Land Cruiser.

    　There is grass, mud, and sand. There is also sand. And there are lots of birds and you can even see wild pheasants.””

    　We protect the place where we run by ourselves. Sarugashima Off-Road has been protected for many years by well mannered owners of high quality 4WD vehicles, who have also joined hands with the local government.”

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    What differentiates you from Taycan? Porsche Panamera approaching the interior of the next model .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “What differentiates it from the Taikan? A closer look at the interior of the next Porsche Panamera Tuesday, May 10, 2022, 8:30 p.m.

    The latest information on the next model of Porsche’s Panamera sports sedan (4-door coupe) has been caught by Spyder7, a scoop site, and we wonder how it will be differentiated from the 4-door Panamera EV. We take a closer look at the interior of the Panamera, along with photos of the car’s interior that we captured.

    The first thing one notices when looking at the interior of the prototype vehicle is the absence of a shift lever. If you look closely, you will see a toggle-style shifter similar to the one on the Tycoon on the left side of the infotainment display. However, you will notice that the electric parking brake is located at the top of the prototype, whereas the Tycoon is to the right of it.

    It also features the new PCM 6.0 infotainment system and a dedicated screen in the passenger glove box. Also of note is the appearance of an image of the next-generation Panamera on the infotainment display.

    The exterior features headlights with newly developed slim four-point DRLs; the C-pillars are completely concealed. On the sides, one can see newly designed door handles and the fueling port, which has been changed from a square to a circle. At the rear, the hatchback shape is also newly designed.

    The powertrain of the next model is unknown, but it is certain that it will not be a full EV to differentiate it from the Taikan. It will probably be powered by a more powerful 2.9-liter V-6 and 4.0-liter V-8 gasoline engines with mild hybrid technology. As for the plug-in hybrid E-Hybrid, it will likely be equipped with a larger battery pack to significantly improve EV driving range.

    The next Panamera model is expected to debut in late 2023.”

    　Among the new cars currently on the market, the main models that fall into this range are minicars and compact cars.

    　For example, the Toyota “”Yaris”” is a good target for the highest grade “”HYBRID Z”” (2,324,000 yen).

    　The Toyota Aqua also offers the highest grade, while the Sienta, Rise, and Yaris Cross also have multiple grades to choose from.

    　If you don’t mind a hybrid, you can also consider the Corolla Sport and Corolla Cross.

    　Other manufacturers include the Nissan Note S FOUR (2,288,000 yen), the Honda Vezel G (2,279,200 yen), the Subaru XV 1.6i-L EyeSight (2,332,000 yen), the Mazda CX-30 20S (2,392,500 yen), and the Suzuki CX-30 (2,370,000 yen). Or the Suzuki Swift Sport with the camera package for all-directional monitor (2,141,700 yen).

    　In addition, for minicars, the highest grade of almost all models are in the market.

    　Thus, with an annual income of around 5 million yen, it is likely that you can select a car model that suits your taste from a certain range of choices.

    　On the other hand, it would be difficult to fit into this line of thinking for domestic cars named “”luxury”” and most imported cars.

    Can you reach the Toyota Alphard with an “”average annual income of 5 million yen”” for Japanese people? Can you even aim for a gilded spec? What is different car selection by lump sum & loan?

    Harrier or Alphard if you take advantage of a residual value loan?
    　On the other hand, what if you use a loan?

    　For an office worker with an annual income of 5 million yen, if bonuses are not taken into account, the face value of the salary is approximately 420,000 yen, and if deductions are deducted and approximately 80% is taken out, the take-home pay is about 340,000 yen.

    　Since monthly loan payments are limited to about 20% of the take-home pay, 68,000 yen per month is the maximum amount that can be paid without any difficulty.

    　Thus, a 3-year loan (36 installments) would be 2,448,000 yen, and a 5-year loan (60 installments) would be 4,080,000 yen, which is the maximum amount that can be paid including interest.

    　However, in reality, option fees will be added and interest rates will also be charged. Taking these factors into account, the entry grade “”X”” (3,597,000 yen) of the “”Alphard”” with a 5-year loan with no down payment would have a monthly payment of 59,950 yen, which would be the maximum line you can consider.

    Toyota “”Harrier”” may also be obtainable with a loan!

    　Another option is to use a residual value loan.

    　A residual value loan is a loan in which the dealer guarantees the value (residual value) remaining at the end of the contract period (generally 3 to 7 years) at the time of contract, and the user repays the amount other than the residual value in installments.

    　The percentage of the residual value in the price is called the residual value ratio, which is approximately 50% for 3 years and 35% for 5 years. The residual value percentage is renewed every few months, so it is important to check it carefully when signing the contract.

    　As mentioned above, if a person with an annual income of 5 million yen can afford a monthly payment of 68,000 yen, a car with a residual value of 50% can be considered for a 3-year loan (36 payments) for 4,896,000 yen or a 5-year loan (60 payments) for 8,160,000 yen.

    　However, since the interest rate on a residual value loan tends to be higher than that of a regular loan and the interest accrues on the entire vehicle price, the total payment amount tends to be much higher than that of a regular loan.

    　In addition, there are some caveats: there is a monthly mileage limit, and the vehicle must be returned or remortgaged and settled in cash at the end of the contract period.

    　However, with a residual value set loan, you can manage to get a Toyota Harrier HYBRID G (4 million yen), which has a relatively high residual value ratio of 55% after three years, with monthly payments of about 61,000 yen on a three-year loan.

    　And with a five-year loan under the same conditions, a higher grade of the Alphard, for example, could also be considered.

    　The residual value of the Alphard’s HYBRID SR “”C”” package (5,720,000 yen) is about 55%, but with a 5-year loan, the monthly payment would be about 52,000 yen.

    　With this amount, even with expensive options, the monthly payment can be kept within a reasonable range.

    * * * * * *

    　The simulation presented here is only an example, and the actual payment will vary greatly depending on each individual’s situation. In addition, both regular loans and residual value loans involve certain risks.

    　On the other hand, if you consider these risks with a clear understanding of them, you may be able to expand your options.

    　With the information presented in this article as a reference, you should choose a purchase plan that suits your individual lifestyle.”

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    The strongest “police car corps” appears !The highway traffic police corps of “GT-R / NSX / LC” is amazing! Translation of a large gathering in Tochigi .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “The most powerful and awesome “”police car army”” appears! The “”GT-R, NSX, and LC”” Highway Traffic Police Force is amazing! Why they gathered in Tochigi?

    Great activity on the highways of Tochigi Prefecture! What is the Strongest Patrol Car Army?
    　During the Golden Week holidays in 2022, “”working cars”” gathered at Mobility Resort Motegi (Tochigi Prefecture).

    You won’t see anything like this anywhere else! The strongest police cars gathered! See the actual police cars that cost over 10 million yen!

    　Among the police cars on display were a Honda NSX, a Nissan Fairlady Z NISMO, a Nissan GT-R, a Lexus LC, and a Subaru Impreza WRX STi, all of which seemed to attract a lot of attention from visitors.

    Gorgeous Patrol Cars and Motorcycles of Tochigi Prefectural Police Gathered in Motegi! This event has become an annual GW event (image courtesy of Twin Ring Motegi / photo taken in 2021).

    　Many children and adults enjoyed seeing the ambulances, excavators, and other vehicles that play an important role in our daily lives on display at this event, and there was also a lift-up experience for users to participate in, with many children and adults enjoying themselves with a twinkle in their eyes.

    　In addition, all of the aforementioned Tochigi Prefectural Police patrol cars were donated, and these remain basically stock, except for the addition of equipment specific to patrol cars.

    　Tochigi Prefecture is very important to the automobile industry, as it is home to Honda’s research facilities and Nissan’s plant that produces the GT-R and Fairlady Z.

    　It seems that the Tochigi Prefectural Police possess these “”cool police cars”” for reasons unique to Tochigi Prefecture.

    　A member of the Tochigi Prefectural Police’s Highway Patrol Unit says, “”These police cars are very important to Tochigi’s automobile industry.

    These patrol cars are mainly used for speeding and drunk driving on highways and for traffic accidents,”” said a member of the Tochigi Prefectural Police Highway Patrol.

    　However, they are usually driven by the Toyota Crown, which is generally known as the base model for patrol cars, and it is rare to actually see them on the expressway.

    　In Tochigi Prefecture, two expressways, the Tohoku Expressway and the Kita-Kanto Expressway, run vertically and horizontally, and there is also the Nikko-Utsunomiya Road, which is an automobile-only road.

    　Therefore, it is difficult to see these police cars, and they seem to be quite “”rare””.

    　On the other hand, there are some people who have been lucky enough to see them.

    　The police officer mentioned above says, “”I sometimes see people in the passenger or rear seat taking pictures of police cars when they see them on the highway.

    　He continues, “”Cars taking pictures of police cars in this way naturally slow down the speed of cars in motion, and we feel that we are contributing to traffic safety in this way as well.

    　These rare and unusual police cars, which are rarely seen, are a good traffic safety measure even when they are just driving normally.

    　Incidentally, unlike the Crown Patrol Cars, these patrol cars are equipped with high-powered engines, are MT-only vehicles, and are quite difficult to drive.

    　However, the aforementioned officer proudly states, “”We do not have a specific person in charge, and we train everyone to ride in any model of patrol car,”” and continues, “”We hope these patrol cars will contribute to raising everyone’s awareness of traffic accidents, even if only a little.

    　I hope that these patrol cars will contribute to the reduction of traffic accidents.

    * * * *

    　The aforementioned person in charge of the event said, “”It is a rare opportunity like this,”” referring to the lineup of these “”cool police cars,”” which are usually used for patrols, but the chance to see them up close is rare, and for the children during Golden Week, it seemed to be an unforgettable experience.

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    Fusion to genuine interior without discomfort … Honda Vezel Part 2 .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Fusing with the factory interior without feeling out of place…Honda Vezel Part 2 .
    Blending with the factory interior without any sense of incongruity…Honda Vezel Part 2 [Installation Review]

    Mr. Uno chose the Vezel as a suitable vehicle for audio installation, taking into consideration the luggage space and other factors. The simple and compact front door outer baffle is a favorite of the owner, and the RS Stream 165-3 midbass was installed. The red coloring,
    which was also used effectively in the luggage compartment, was used around the speakers to increase their impact. The color is also highly consistent with the interior.

    The large midrange was cleverly installed built-in on the A-pillar. The press lines on the A-pillar are also beautifully processed. The midrange is smartly installed by creating a flat surface. The RS Stream 165-3 tweeters are mounted behind the door mirrors using a one-off mounting bracket. In the cockpit, the front 3-way is beautifully installed. The doors are colored red, and other unique touches were added in various places.
    Mr. Uno chose RS Audio speakers, a brand he had used in his previous car. In the pursuit of a rich sound, he decided to go with a 3-way system. The cockpit was designed by custom&car Audio Parada in Fukui prefecture.

    The outer baffles of the doors are designed with red as a color accent.
    Mr. Uno chose the Vezel as the most suitable vehicle for the audio installation, considering the luggage space.
    The simple and compact front door outer baffles are a favorite of the owner, who installed RS Stream 165-3 midbass.

    The red coloring, which was also used effectively in the luggage, was used around the speakers to increase their impact. The color is also highly consistent with the interior.
    The red coloring that was also used effectively in the luggage compartment was used around the speakers to increase their impact. The red coloring is also highly consistent with the interior design.
    Mr. Uno’s experience with audio systems has grown considerably through his experience with multiple systems in the past. The theme for the sound of his car this time was “”richness of sound. He chose RS Audio’s RS Stream 165-3, a front three-way model called the Baby Master because it is the second model of the company’s super high-end RS Master.

    Uno, who has always had a good impression of RS Audio’s speakers, saying, “”The rich sound is unbelievable,”” had a high degree of confidence in the Baby Master. He was confident that the Baby Master would be able to deliver the richness of his vocals.

    The highlight of the installation was the door midbass. The red theme color used for the entire luggage floor panel is used for the grille of the speakers, creating a striking design. Red is always used so effectively in the interior coloring that it is known as “”Uno Red”” by audio friends who frequent the store. The baffle treatment was beautifully done using the stock door design of the Vezel, and the door installation was completed to the owner’s satisfaction.

    ◆Large diameter midrange built into the pillar
    Clever design treatment shows the sense of installation.
    The large midrange was installed built-in to the A-pillar. The tweeter is also laid out in close proximity.
    The press lines on the A-pillar are beautifully processed. By creating a flat surface, the midrange is smartly installed.
    The A-pillar’s press line is beautifully processed. The mid-range is smartly installed by creating a flat surface.
    RS Stream 165-3 tweeters are installed with one-off mounting brackets behind the door mirrors.
    RS Stream 165-3 tweeters are installed behind the door mirrors with one-off mounting brackets.
    The RS Stream 165-3 midrange is a very large unit with a 96mm diameter mounting bracket. When the owner first saw it, he had the impression that it was so large that it scared him.

    The original A-pillar press lines were further clarified to create a flat surface at the top position. The midrange is blended into this surface, which is also a good idea.

    The tweeter, on the other hand, is installed behind the door mirror with a one-off mounting bracket, and is placed in close proximity to the midrange on the A-pillar, bringing out the cohesiveness of the sound in the mid and high frequencies. From a design standpoint, another highlight of the project was the beautiful combination created by the proximity of the two units.

    For the speaker cables, the SN-MS7500III from M&M Design, which is highly regarded as a high-level cable, was selected, and the focus was on bringing out the speaker sound of the RS Audio system. The result is a “”thrilling and pleasing sound. The owner of the car is also satisfied with the car’s well-balanced low to high frequency range, which allows the driver to experience a sound of a different dimension.

    Front 3-way speakers are beautifully installed in the cockpit. The red coloring on the doors and other unique touches were added in various places.
    A front 3-way is beautifully installed in the cockpit. The doors are decorated in red and other unique touches are applied in key areas.
    The Helix’s dial indicators are mounted on top of the front window as shown here. Visibility is excellent.

    The AK380 is used as the DAP. The potential of the entire system is brought out by using a well-established high-quality sound DAP.
    AK380 is used for DAP. The potential of the entire system is brought out by using an established high-quality sound DAP.
    A Strada car navigation system is used as the in-vehicle device. In addition to its large screen, it is ideal for everyday use because of its ease of operation, which is unique to in-vehicle equipment.

    Mr. Uno has already reached the realm of a seasoned veteran. He has his own criteria for sound and enjoys upgrading his system in his own way.
    The Helix DSP PRO Mk2 processor is mounted on top of the front window to improve operability and visibility. In addition to the A&K AK380 DAP, a Panasonic Strada car navigation system is also used as an audio source. The use of both the high-quality sound DAP and the easy-to-use in-car navigation system covers a wide range of audio quality from everyday use to the most important moments.

    RS Audio speakers were used in the previous car and fell in love with the sound. This time, we took the richness of the sound one or two steps higher by making them 3-way speakers. In terms of design, the owner’s satisfaction reached its peak with the simplicity of the door installation and the impact of the built-in midrange on the A-pillar, which exceeded his expectations.

    Mr. Uno has gained experience and established his own sound preferences. This time, he did his best to choose a car that would be suitable for the audio system, even the base car. He says he enjoys spending blissful moments every day in a space enveloped by the sound he loves.

    Yasuhiro Tsuchida, Writer
    After working as a digital audio engineer, he became an editor at a publishing company. He worked in the editorial departments of motorcycle and 4WD magazines. After becoming independent, he has been involved in writing for car audio, cars, wristwatches, mono-related, interior, and outdoor-related magazines, and was also contracted to serve as editor-in-chief of a car audio magazine. Currently, he is still active in writing mainly for car audio magazines.”

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    Subaru SUV is super wild with “vertical grille” installed! Off-road custom “XV” & “Outback”!

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Subaru SUVs with “”Vertical Grilles”” are Super Wild! Customized “”XV”” and “”Outback”” for Off-Road!

    Vertical grille installation makes such a difference!
    　Subaru vehicles share the common motif of the “”U”” shaped headlights and the hexagonal hexagonal grille.

    Off-road look is amazing! Subaru “”XV”” and “”Outback”” with vertical grilles are too wild!
    　Most Subaru models use a horizontal hexagonal grille to give the impression of a Subaru face, but there are two SUV models with a vertical hexagonal grille as a genuine accessory.

    Subaru “”XV”” with a wildly popular vertical grille

    　Popular as an SUV with a casual atmosphere, the “”XV”” is a compact SUV targeted at the younger generation in their late 20s and early 30s, and also chosen by people with active hobbies.

    　The “”front grille”” is available as an exterior accessory part; the XV’s coupe-like streamlined body and vertical grille give it a tough front face.

    　Other rear accessories include a silver “”Rear Bumper Panel”” that shows off the SUV’s strength, and a “”Tailgate Garnish Black”” that accentuates the tailgate while also functioning as an anti-scratch gurt.

    　On the side, the “”Door Undergarnish Black”” for the lower part of the door and the “”Body Side Molding”” that combines design and door protection are items that are also designed with outdoor use in mind.

    　The other is the new Legacy Outback (hereafter, Outback).

    　It will be fully remodeled into the sixth generation in October 2021. Two specifications, the premium “”Limited EX”” and the active “”X-Break EX,”” are available, and it has evolved into an even higher quality SUV as the flagship of Subaru.

    　The front grille for the new Outback uses two different matte colors for the vertical lines in front of the grille and the frame. By changing the glossiness and accentuating the vertical lines, the grille creates an off-road feel that is different from the base model.

    　In addition, the “”front bumper guard”” and “”rear bumper guard”” also use the same color as the vertical lines of the front grille, allowing the front and rear bumpers to enjoy total coordination.

    * * * *

    　The XV and Outback also feature “”LED fog lamps”” that combine design and functionality, which light up in white under normal conditions and switch to yellow in bad weather conditions such as fog and rain.

    　When installed in conjunction with the vertical grille, they can emphasize a tougher gear atmosphere.

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    Explosive sports feeling ! Honda’s new “Infinite Fit” is on sale! Introduced in China for about 1.9 million yen .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Bursting with sportiness! Honda’s new “”Mugen Fit”” launched! Launched in China at approx. 1.9 million yen

    Exclusive interior and exterior parts
    　On April 29, 2022, Honda’s Chinese joint venture, Guangqi Honda Automobile, began selling the Mugen Fit, a new sporty model of the Chinese-spec Fit.

    Too much aero! The “”Mugen Fit”” is a new sporty model of the “”Fit”” for Chinese specifications. Honda’s “”Mugen Fit”” in 21 images

    Mugen Fit”” by Guangqi Honda Automobile

    　Honda has a joint venture company in China called “”Dongfeng Honda Automobile”” with Guangqi Honda Automobile.

    　Guangqi Honda Automobile sells the Chinese version of the Fit, while Dongfeng Honda Automobile handles the Fit’s sister model, the Life.

    　Incidentally, Guangqi Honda Automobile explains that the Fit has a total of more than 1.3 million users in China. This means that the Fit is loved by many users.

    　The Mugen Fit is equipped with various aero parts from Mugen, an after-sports brand specializing in Honda.

    　The front spoiler and silver front grille give the car a face with a strong presence, and the rear spoiler also has a flashy design.

    　The design is slightly different from the Mugen accessories for the Fit sold in Japan, with a style that emphasizes fearlessness. Dark-colored sporty aluminum wheels have also been installed.

    　On the interior, red and silver exclusive plates are placed on the instrument panel to create a special atmosphere.

    　The price of the Mugen Fit is 97,000 yuan (approximately 1.9 million yen).

    Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)”

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    “Gundam-like bZ4X” and “Japanese-style ariya” design different new SUV tastes! What is everyone interested in?

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “The “”Gundam-like bZ4X”” and the “”Japanese-style Ariya”” are two new SUVs with different designs, and people have different tastes! What do people like about the new SUVs?

    Three New SUVs, What’s Your Preferred Design?
    　In 2022, there was big news for domestic SUVs. That is the introduction of new SUV-type EVs from Toyota and Subaru.
    　
    　In March of the same year, Nissan’s SUV-type EV “”Ariya”” began to be delivered to customers, and the three vehicles are now competing on the same playing field.
    　
    　In this context, how do users compare the three vehicles? In this issue, we will focus on the design.

    [Image] There are all kinds of face preferences! Which face do you like? Japanese style or novelty… See the new SUV designs in action!

    Can’t you say “”Gundam look””? Is the design of the new bZ4X novel? What are the repercussions of each?

    　On April 12, 2022, Toyota will successively unveil the new bZ4X and the new Soltera on April 14 of the same month, which will go on sale on May 12 (the new bZ4X will only be available in the Subs KINTO).

    　The new bZ4X/new Solterra were jointly developed by the two companies and are dedicated EV models that are packed with their respective know-how.

    　On social networking sites, there are many comments of anticipation for these two vehicles, such as “”bZ4X looks promising if it has this kind of performance in an SUV,”” and “”I like the design of Solterra a lot, I want one! I want it!”” and “”I like the design of Solterra, I want it!

    　The Nissan “”Ariya”” is a model that makes use of Nissan’s know-how cultivated with the “”LEAF”” and other models.

    　In Japan, Nissan announced the “”Ariya limited,”” a special limited edition model exclusively for the Japanese market, on June 4, 2021, and started taking pre-orders on the same day.

    　As of April 2021, in addition to the limited version, orders for the regular version are also being accepted.

    　So, what are people saying about the design of these three cars?

    　Some of the comments on social networking sites are: “”bZ4X looks like a Toyota car, which is a good point for users,”” “”I prefer the design of Sortera,”” “”I still like the design and texture of Ariya,”” “”Ariya has an elegant Japanese design, while bZ4X looks like a Gundam and has a futuristic feel,”” “”Ariya has a more modern look. It is interesting to see such completely different design philosophies even from the same Japanese automaker.

    　The exterior of the new bZ4X is characterized by the expression of BEV’s uniqueness, with aerodynamic items woven into the corners that differ from the center emphasis theme symbolizing the radiator used in conventional cars, and a bumper shape that is thin at the top and bottom.

    　The exterior of the new Solterra features a front face with a hexagonal motif. Other features include a body with a horizontal axis running through it and dynamic fenders that protrude from the inside, giving it a powerful SUV-like appearance.

    　The Ariya, on the other hand, is characterized by the Kumiko, a traditional Japanese geometric pattern expressed three-dimensionally on the shield, and the large L-shaped sequential blinkers on the front part show its presence.

    　In addition, the interior of the bZ4X has been the subject of many comments on social networking sites, with some saying, “”I like the simplicity of the bZ4X’s interior,”” others saying, “”The interior of the Soltera was cool, like a spaceship,”” and still others saying, “”The Arya is the best in terms of interior design.

    　In response to the users’ reaction to the Ariya, which can already be seen in person at special exhibits and Nissan Galleries (Ginza and Yokohama) throughout Japan, a Nissan dealership had the following to say.

    The exterior of the Ariya’s design has been well received, but we have been particularly impressed with the quality of the interior.

    　In particular, the door panels, the foot lighting, and the electrostatic switches on the instrument panel give the impression of high quality and advanced design.

    * * * *

    　On the other hand, the new bZ4X and the new Solterra have not had as many opportunities to be seen by the general public as the Ariya at this time, but as more exhibition events are held in the future, the response is expected to grow.